Winter Sports Safety

To you, the first snow fall is a signal to strap on the skis and skates, or even jump on a sled. You may look forward to days in the frosty snow, but like any activity you need to play safely. Winter activities can lead to the same bumps and bruises of every sport with added concerns of exposure to cold temperatures. A little snow safety strategy can help you avoid some of the most common winter sport injuries.

General Guidelines

No matter what your winter sport is, it is important to take a few minutes and make sure you know how to be safe. Suggestions include:

Don't wait until the last minute. Start strength training the muscles you will need a month or so ahead of time. This will help you get into proper shape.

Make sure you are in good physical condition for activities in the cold. If you are unsure, check with your doctor.

Warm up with light exercise for 5 minutes before you engage in any sport.

Make sure your equipment and protective gear is in good condition and fits well.

Take lessons to improve your ability. Better skills will allow you to adjust to changing conditions.

Many organizations, like the National Ski Areas Association, recommend the use of helmets for down hill winter sports to prevent head injury.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding have their own special equipment. The right equipment and the right fit are as important as knowing what you are doing. This will reduce your risk of injury. Here are some other things you need to know:

Take lessons from an expert. Evidence supports that beginners are hurt more frequently. The quicker you improve, the safer you will be on the slopes.

Stick with your abilities. Do not attempt to ski a slope that is beyond your personal abilities. Ski marked trails and observe trail signs. Rest when you get tired.

Be sure that equipment is properly maintained and clean—no dirt or salt between boots, bindings, and the binding mechanism.

Properly adjust bindings to reduce the chance of leg injuries. Test your ability to escape bindings by standing in the skis, then twisting to release the toe and heel pieces

Make sure everything fits you properly and that it is in good condition.

Show good sportsmanship. Do not hit other players and bystanders who happen to get in the way.

Do not engage in fighting.

Sledding and Tobogganing

Sledding is fun at all ages, as long as you are safe. Follow these tips:

Make sure your sled is in good condition. Repair any broken parts, split wood, or sharp edges. If you cannot get your sled repaired, get a new one. Sleds that steer are a safer option.

Never sled on the street or on hills that lead directly into the street.

Never hook rides on the bumpers of cars.

Make sure that slopes do not have bumps, big rocks, trees, or tree stumps.

Avoid steep hills where you could gain too much speed and may not be able to stop.

Do not go sledding on frozen lakes or ponds unless the ice has been tested by a local official and declared safe.

Keep hands, arms, and legs inside to avoid limb injuries.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiles are high-speed vehicles and should be treated as such. Most deaths and accidents involve collisions with fixed or moving objects like:

Fence posts

Trees

Cars, moving and stationary

Barbed wire—can cause death by decapitation

Alcohol is the leading cause of snowmobiling deaths. It contributes to impaired judgment involving speed, and driving in the dark or in bad weather. It also may make you feel like you can drive better than you really can. Do not drink before or during any snowmobiling activity.

Know your environment, snowmobile fatalities have occurred when people tried to ride over thin ice. Ride with other people. If you are going out alone make sure someone knows where you are going and when you should be back. You can get into trouble if your vehicle breaks down and you are stranded in cold temperature.

Make sure you are wearing proper gear before you head out including:

A helmet with a face guard or goggles. Helmets should be designed for high-speed motor sports.

Layers of clothing for warmth. Be sure that your clothing does not have any parts that could get caught in the snowmobile.

Know your machine:

Become familiar with the particular model of snowmobile before driving. Even if you are an experienced driver, accidents can happen if you are unfamiliar with the model.

Inspect the entire machine—brakes, throttle control, lights, and emergency shut-off switch before departing. Be sure you have a full tank of gas.

Take extra spark plugs, tools, a first aid kit, and other repair and survival supplies, such as flares and matches.

Follow local regulations and operation instructions. While on the trail:

Know the terrain. Know where fences, gullies, branches, fallen logs, barbed wire, and rocks may be hidden. Beware of open bodies of water and thin ice.

Travel on marked trails.

Avoid driving at night and in bad weather. A single strand of barbed wire is hard to see.

Remember that the loud noise generated by the snowmobile may prevent hearing approaching trains, cars, and other snowmobiles. Be alert.

Travel in groups. In case of emergencies, someone can go for help.

Check with your state or the state you are visiting about minimum ages for riding on or driving snowmobiles.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Concussion in winter sports. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HockeyConcussions. Updated December 24, 2012. Accessed October 20, 2014.

Extreme winter sports can lead to extreme injuries. National Safety Council website. Available at
http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/extreme-winter-sports-can-lead-to-extreme-injuries-2. Accessed October 20, 2014.

Ski and snowboard safety facts and tips. National Safety Council website. Available at: http://www.nsc.org/news%5Fresources/Resources/Pages/SkiandSnowboardSafety.aspx#.VEU6ZyLF-So. Accessed October 20, 2014.